What caliber would you guys choose for an all around balanced rifle that can handle mule deer and elk but will spend most of it’s time hunting whitetail in Texas? Based on the assumption that this was the only rifle owned. I am thinking of consolidating rifles considering I do not rifle hunt much. Would prefer to have one do it all type of rifle than several different calibers to keep ammo for. I also plan to shoot suppressed so barrel length is a factor as well.
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Originally posted by raw10628 View PostWhat caliber would you guys choose for an all around balanced rifle that can handle mule deer and elk but will spend most of it’s time hunting whitetail in Texas? Based on the assumption that this was the only rifle owned. I am thinking of consolidating rifles considering I do not rifle hunt much. Would prefer to have one do it all type of rifle than several different calibers to keep ammo for. I also plan to shoot suppressed so barrel length is a factor as well.
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Originally posted by raw10628 View PostWhat caliber would you guys choose for an all around balanced rifle that can handle mule deer and elk but will spend most of it’s time hunting whitetail in Texas? Based on the assumption that this was the only rifle owned. I am thinking of consolidating rifles considering I do not rifle hunt much. Would prefer to have one do it all type of rifle than several different calibers to keep ammo for. I also plan to shoot suppressed so barrel length is a factor as well.
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Originally posted by bphillips View Post6.5prc or 280ai
This is where I’m at. Can’t decide between them. Seems like the 6.5 prc is slightly flatter shooting, but the .280ai carries a little more energy.
I haven’t reloaded before, but I got a reloading kit for Christmas. Which one is easier to reload? I know factory loads shoot great for both calibers in the meantime.
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Originally posted by bloodtrail18 View PostI took this approach to last years build and ended up going with a 280AI. I grabbed a couple boxes of 140 grain Nosler ammo just to get it on paper as I planned to handload for it later on. I got it on paper with the factory ammo and then shot a 3 shot group that I covered with a dime. Needless to say, I haven't loaded any ammo for it yet.
I’ve got a 280 AI in a Kimber Mountain Ascent that didn’t group the 140’s well so I thought about doing this build in 280AI because it’s one of my favorite calibers and I wanted a more accurate version. Figured I would just keep the Kimber for stalking and it was shooting around 1.5 inch groups. Ended up trying the ELDX 162’s and can cover a 3 shot group with a dime now.
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raw, I’d think about a two rifle arsenal. When you go on those out of state hunts, it’s real smart to have two familiar rifles in case you take a bad fall, etc. You can accomplish this by shooting your buddy’s rifle before the hunt and share rifles if things go bad. It’s just real nice to have a lighter recoiling rifle for deer and a back up rifle that shoots heavier bullets for elk but still won’t beat you up.
You could use a 280ai with 168s as the primary elk, backup deer gun. Use a 6.5 with 140s as primary deer, backup elk gun.
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Originally posted by raw10628 View PostDoes the 280 AI have good factory ammo options? I’m familiar with the 6.5 PRC but not the 280 AI. I do not currently reload or plan to in the future so I would be dependent on factory options. Have thought about going to Copper Creek or one of the other custom load shops though.
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Originally posted by raw10628 View PostWhat caliber would you guys choose for an all around balanced rifle that can handle mule deer and elk but will spend most of it’s time hunting whitetail in Texas? Based on the assumption that this was the only rifle owned. I am thinking of consolidating rifles considering I do not rifle hunt much. Would prefer to have one do it all type of rifle than several different calibers to keep ammo for. I also plan to shoot suppressed so barrel length is a factor as well.
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